FeaturedLondonMusicalReview

Pippin in Concert – Theatre Royal Drury Lane, London

Reviewer: Andrew Houghton

Book: Roger O. Hirson

Music & Lyrics: Stephen Schwartz

Director: Jonathan O’Boyle

Theatre Royal Drury Lane has acquired quite a reputation for staging impressive concert productions and Pippin: 50th Anniversary Concert is one of its finest. Complete with a full live orchestra and choir, composer and lyricist Stephen Schwartz himself notes that this is ‘a once-in-a-blue-moon event’ and he speaks no word of a lie.

Anticipation is thick in the air when the house limits dim and as soon as Alex Newell’s silhouette appears centre stage the audience roars. The historic Tony Award winner has a clear fanbase and a high bar to meet before singing a word. Of course, they easily rise to the challenge.

Every performer is in top form, in fact, and what a supremely star-studded cast it is. The calibre of talent on show is not unlike recent West End hit Old Friends, in which leading man Jac Yarrow also appeared. As Pippin, Yarrow delivers strong results in a vocally demanding role and is a compelling protagonist to root for.

The narrative itself is slightly abstract, a play within a play of sorts, though easy enough to follow. A performance troupe, led with devilish flair by Newell, stages the story of Pippin: a fictional ‘history play’ which follows an heir to the Frankish throne who longs to understand the meaning of his life. Featuring a characterful supporting cast and the promise of an epic finale, theatricality is the name of the game with Pippin, and nobody disappoints.

Primarily consisting of glitzy sequinned outfits, Polly Sullivan’s costume design – like most of this production – is camp, fun and fabulous. The creative team has done nothing in half-measures and this makes for a delightfully extravagant evening. There are no small performances either, with every performer milking their moment in the spotlight for everything it’s worth.

Lucie Jones’ adorable turn as Catherine is limited to the second act but she quickly stakes her claim with flawless vocals and an endearing comedy performance. Newell, on the other hand, consistently commands the stage as the charismatic Leading Player and never misses an opportunity to steal attention, even from the background. The breakaway bickering between these two also becomes a particular highlight and provides some of the biggest laughs of the evening.

Another unforgettable standout is Zizi Strallen who devours the role of Fastrada, impressing in every aspect of her performance. Playing into the archetype of the sexy showgirl, she pulls out all the stops, delivering vicious vocals, dazzling choreo and a wickedly engaging character.

Pippin: 50th Anniversary Concert is a spectacular celebration and a musical theatre geek’s dream. This production demonstrates why these performers deserve their reputations as West End royalty (or a modern Broadway legend) and offers definitive proof that Schwarz’s musical remains a hit after half a century.

Runs until 30 April 2024

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Delightfully extravagant

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The Reviews Hub - London

The Reviews Hub London is under the editorship of Richard Maguire. The Reviews Hub was set up in 2007. Our mission is to provide the most in-depth, nationwide arts coverage online.

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